Chania, with its rugged landscapes and centuries-old vineyards, stands out as one of Greece’s top spots for wine-tasting adventures. Unlike some wine regions that feel commercialized, Crete’s winemaking still feels authentic, with family-run wineries and unique local grape varieties. We particularly love the Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch, which combines off-road exploration of wild gorges with tastings guided by a professional sommelier. It offers a genuine taste of Crete’s natural bounty, with a touch of adventure and a delicious local meal to round out the experience. Plus, the small-group format ensures an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
For those wanting a broader taste of Crete’s culinary traditions, the Chania Area: Food Tasting Tour with Winery Visit & Swim Stop is a fantastic option. It combines visits to historic olive trees and local bakeries with honey, cheese, and wine tasting, giving you a deep dive into island flavors. Whether you’re after scenic drives, private tastings, or cultural experiences, Chania’s wine tours offer a rich variety for every palate and interest.
1. Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch – Semi Private Safari Tour
This 7 to 8-hour tour takes you into the less-traveled parts of Western Crete, where rugged terrain makes standard buses useless. Small groups of up to 6 people travel in a 4WD safari vehicle, ensuring access to remote gorges and ancient olive groves. The experience begins with visiting the Cave of St John the Hermit and then the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, home to a 3,000-year-old olive tree still producing fruit. The highlight is the visit to Anoskeli Winery, where you taste five local wines and organic extra virgin olive oil while snacking on Cretan delicacies. The tour includes a hearty Cretan lunch, with drinks and dessert, served at a restaurant overlooking the scenery.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of adventure, culture, and flavor—all with a knowledgeable guide who explains the significance of each tasting. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guide, the quality of tastings, and the off-road access that reveals Crete’s wild side. The price reflects the small-group intimacy and immersive experience, making it perfect for those who want more than just a winery visit.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a full-day adventure with small-group intimacy, authentic tastings, and visits to ancient sites.
2. Chania Area: Food Tasting Tour with Winery Visit & Swim Stop
Aimed at food lovers and curious explorers, this 7-hour tour explores Crete’s culinary secrets. It includes visits to the world’s oldest Olive Tree, a family-run olive mill, a traditional bakery, and local producers of honey and cheese. The tour also features a stop at a well-regarded winery, where you’ll taste local wines with a guided explanation of Crete’s winemaking tradition. One of the unique perks is a swim stop, giving you a chance to cool off at a scenic Cretan beach.
Reviewers describe this as well-organized and full of interesting insights into local food production. While some found the winery experience a bit basic — describing the facility as a “production line” — most appreciated the authenticity and variety of stops that showcase the island’s rich gastronomic culture. The tour is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to Cretan cuisine, wine, and coastal scenery.
Bottom line: If you love local food, wine, and a bit of beach relaxation, this tour offers a balanced and flavorful day.
3. Chania Private Wine Tasting Tour & Theriso Village Visit
For a personalized experience, this 6-hour private tour explores the scenic Therisso Gorge and village, with a focus on local wines. Traveling in a private SUV, you’ll enjoy customized stops at a small vineyard and a local village, with ample time to explore at your own pace. The highlight is visiting a family-run winery to taste Crete’s finest wines, accompanied by insights into winemaking traditions passed down through generations.
Guests comment on the personalized service and the stunning drive through gorge landscapes. This tour is best suited for travelers who prefer flexibility and intimate connections with local producers. It’s also a good choice for those wanting to combine cultural sights with wine tasting, without crowds.
Bottom line: Perfect for romantic getaways or small groups seeking an exclusive, relaxed day with tailored experiences.
4. Chania Old Port: Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Wine
Set sail from the historic Old Venetian Harbour, this 3.5-hour luxury cruise offers a blend of scenic sailing, wine, and seafood snacks. As you glide toward Agioi Theodoroi, the onboard crew serves unlimited soft drinks, white wine, and beer, making it an ideal way to unwind. The cruise includes paddleboarding and snorkeling gear for those feeling adventurous, with plenty of spots to relax and soak in the sunset.
Reviewers love the friendly crew and the stunning views at dusk, describing it as a romantic and relaxing experience. The all-inclusive drinks and the chance to see Chania from the water make this a standout option for couples or anyone wanting a memorable evening at sea.
Bottom line: For a luxurious, scenic, and relaxed sunset experience, this catamaran cruise offers a perfect combination of comfort and adventure.
5. Private Exclusive Manousakis Winery and Vineyard Tour
This 5-hour private tour takes you to the acclaimed Manousakis Winery in Vatolakos, famous for its panoramic views and excellent wines. Driven by an English-speaking driver, you’ll enjoy an off-road vineyard tour, where you’ll learn about local grape varieties and wine production. The highlight is a tasting of five wines paired with a full meal in the vineyard, with the option for unlimited wine.
Guests describe the experience as personalized and informative, noting that the scenic drives and delicious wines make it worth the price. It’s best suited for wine aficionados who value exclusivity and detailed explanations over large-group tours.
Bottom line: A perfect choice if you want a private, in-depth wine experience with exceptional views and personal touches.
6. Flavors of Crete from Chania: Wine & Olive Oil Tasting Tour
This 7 to 8-hour tour is a culinary deep dive into Crete’s traditional products. Starting with a visit to the ancient 4,000-year-old olive tree, it continues with stops at a traditional olive oil and honey producer, a local winery, and a Cretan lunch. It’s a well-rounded experience covering olive oil, wine, honey, and local cuisine.
While some reviews mention the value for money, noting the quality of tastings and the knowledgeable guide, others find the winery experience somewhat basic. Still, this tour is excellent for those wanting to understand Crete’s food culture in depth.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive food and wine experience with a focus on history and tradition, this is a solid pick.
7. Chania:Olive and Wine 3-hour Trip
This short, 3-hour trip offers a quick yet rich taste of Crete’s olive and wine traditions. It includes a guided visit to a local winery and a stop at the Old Olive Tree, believed to be the oldest in the world. The tour features a wine tasting and a brief exploration of the famous olive tree.
It’s a practical option for travelers short on time who still want a meaningful introduction to Crete’s olive oil and wine heritage. The small group and expert guide make it an engaging experience, especially for first-timers.
Bottom line: Ideal for time-conscious travelers eager to experience Crete’s iconic olive and wine treasures.
8. Cretan Monastery Wine Tour with Transfers & Tastings
This 4-hour tour combines religious history with wine tasting. Visiting the Agia Triada Tzagarolon monastery, you’ll learn about the monks’ wine tradition and sample their homemade wines. The tour includes a visit to local vineyards and opportunities to pair wines with local delicacies.
Guests comment on the unique blend of cultural and gastronomic insights, making this more than just a wine tasting. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in religious sites and traditional wine-making practices.
Bottom line: Great for those who want an educational experience with a touch of spiritual history.
9. Cretan Wine, Olive Oil & Cooking Workshop
A full-day experience that combines wine and olive oil tastings with a hands-on cooking class. You’ll visit a family-owned winery, an olive mill, and then learn to cook traditional Cretan dishes in a cozy cottage. It’s interactive, fun, and perfect for food lovers wanting to bring home new skills.
Reviews mention “an amazing time” and highlight the personal attention and authentic cooking. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to combine culinary learning with culture.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want to eat, drink, and cook—Crete style.
10. Full-Day Vineyard & Winery Private Tour with Tastings
This 7-hour private tour offers a comprehensive look at Crete’s wine scene. You’ll visit local vineyards, a winery, and a raki distillery where you can sample traditional raki and rakomelo (a cinnamon-infused spirit). The focus on culture and tradition makes it perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in local drink-making.
Guests appreciate the personalized service and the depth of wine and spirit knowledge provided. The private setting is especially suited for couples or small groups wanting a customized experience.
Bottom line: For those wanting a full-day, in-depth exploration of Crete’s wine and spirits, this tour offers excellent value.
11. Luxuries: Secrets of Wine and Olive Oil Tastings
This 7-hour private jeep tour is the ultimate luxury experience. It takes you across Chania’s villages, with stops at a winery and an olive oil mill. The highlight is visiting a 3000-year-old olive tree and enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch amid stunning scenery.
This tour combines comfort, exclusivity, and in-depth tastings for travelers who want the best Crete has to offer. Reviewers describe it as worth every penny for the personalized attention and premium locations.
Bottom line: Perfect if you’re after a luxury, private, and very comprehensive experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Cretan Wine Tour
When selecting a wine tour in Chania, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re pressed for time but want a quick taste of olive oil and wine, the Chania: Olive and Wine 3-hour Trip is perfect. For a full-day, immersive experience, the Flavors of Crete tour offers a broad look at food and drink traditions.
If comfort and exclusivity matter most, the Luxuries: Secrets of Wine and Olive Oil Tastings provides a private, luxurious experience. Conversely, for adventure seekers, the Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch delivers off-road exploration with authentic tastings.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private and luxury tours, which tend to fill quickly during peak season. Also, consider the season—spring and early fall typically offer the best weather for outdoor tastings and scenic drives.
Final Thoughts
Chania offers a wide array of wine tours suited to every interest and budget. For a fun and immersive day with local flavors, the Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch is a standout. If you prefer a private, tailored experience, the Manousakis Winery provides a luxurious escape into Crete’s wine scene. Lastly, those seeking a full culinary adventure will enjoy the Cretan Wine, Olive Oil & Cooking Workshop.
Whatever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic, flavorful experiences. Cheers to discovering Crete’s wine and olive oil treasures—you’ll leave with more than just a full glass!